Mercer Island Islanders senior defender Julia Nordstrom, who will attend the University of Colorado (Boulder) this fall, plans on playing on the college’s club lacrosse team next season. Shaun Scott/staff photo

Nordstrom anchors the Islanders defense

With the playoffs on the immediate horizon, the Mercer Island Islanders girls lacrosse team is clicking on all cylinders.

The Islanders, who lost nine seniors to graduation off of the 2018 team, currently have an undefeated overall record of 11-0. Mercer Island has outscored its opponents 167-45 in the process. Islanders’ senior defender Julia Nordstrom is the leader of the defensive backfield that is averaging a paltry 4.1 goals allowed per game.

Nordstrom is a rare four-year starter for the Islanders.

“This season was definitely in question coming in. We came off of nine seniors leaving, so we were definitely nervous but I think being a little bit nervous helped us in that we were not overconfident. We proved to ourselves that we can do it,” Nordstrom said of her team’s undefeated record thus far. “This year is definitely different. We have a younger team but I think this year more than anything is that we all trust each other. I think it shows especially on defense. We work really smoothly together through transitions.”

Being a defender comes naturally to Nordstrom.

“For us as a team, we try to have help on either side. It’s about trusting your teammates and putting your full effort going at your opponent 100 percent. When you are one-on-one, knowing you will have that backup is really nice, especially with the team defense we’ve been running this year,” Nordstrom said.

Recently the Mercer Island Reporter had a chance to ask Nordstrom some questions about her life outside of lacrosse.

Mercer Island Reporter: What is your favorite movie of all time?

Julia Nordstrom: I’d say the “High School Musical 2.” It is just a classic. It is always upbeat throughout the summer time.

MIR: What is your biggest pet peeve?

JN: I hate when people drive abnormally slow. When people are going 10 (miles per hour) under, there is just no point. I like getting to places on time.

MIR: Where do you see yourself in five years?

JN: I see myself graduated from college. I want to have a steady job and probably live somewhere new (outside of the Pacific Northwest).